Casimir Linkiewicz

Helped Clean Up Calumet City

November 03, 1994|By John O'Brien, Tribune Staff Writer.

Casimir E. Linkiewicz, who as a south suburban police chief and combat veteran fought organized crime and his World War II battle enemies with equal vigor, died Sunday at his retirement home in Lake Forest, Calif. He was 77.

Mr. Linkiewicz served as police chief in Calumet City during the years that town was changing its image from that of a wide-open haven for vice to a community that became known as south suburbia's "City of Homes."

"He made that change happen," said Lillian Nowak, a cousin. "He was just as couragious fighting the strip-joint operators as he was as a Marine fighting for his country."

His leadership in the crackdown against vice and gambling earned Mr. Linkiewicz the reputation as an incorruptible reformer. He once arrested his brother on a gambling charge.

He served as a Calumet City patrol officer and then as chief for a combined total of 24 years.

Mr. Linkiewicz began his attack on vice and gambling in 1959. By 1964, only one tavern featuring live entertainment was operating in the city. The next year, he successfully pushed for a "B-Girl" ordinance, warning hustlers they had 30 days "to get out of town" or face arrest.

Mr. Linkiewicz retired as Calumet City police chief in 1972, then spent the next four years as chief in nearby Lynwood, directing the expansion of that force.

Survivors include two sons, Timothy and Michael; a sister; and two brothers.

Mass will be said Thursday in Santiage de Campestello Catholic Church in Laguna Hills, Calif. Burial will be with full military honors.